IADC has published its "Annual Report 2023". This report has been compiled on behalf of the Board. It outlines the Association’s state of affairs, and highlights the broad spectrum of activities undertaken over the course of the year. IADC’s key projects and events are presented in full.
Last year was business as usual with different recurring activities and new initiatives all held physically. All COVID restrictions were released. Digital meetings were only held when they added value or when they increased efficiency by reducing travel time.
We are still living in a geo-political unstable environment. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continued and at the end of 2023 war broke out between Israel and Hamas, which in turn triggered attacks by the Houthi’s on vessels in the Red Sea. As a result, many vessels choose not to take the risk of passing the Suez Canal.
The number of projects in the Middle East has increased and a substantial number of vessels of IADC members are working in the region. The Dredging in Figures 2023 presenting the turnover in 2022 showed an increase in turnover in the Middle East of 27% and further increase is expected in 2023. Following some years with decreasing turnovers it looks as if the open dredging market is recovering. 2022 showed a global increase of 14% compared to 2021.
WHAT WE WERE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH AND WHAT WE WERE NOT
Sustainability is a leading theme in the industry and therefore within IADC. IADC members are front runners in the development of sustainable marine infrastructure and the use of sustainable working methods. Their knowledge and experience is essential to the outside world. This expertise of IADC and its members has been recognised by international organisations. For example, the paper Sand as resource; best practices or conduct responsible dredging projects has been published on the website of UNEP and UNEP FI. In addition, IADC has been invited by UNEP to join a pioneer group to work on standards for sustainable sand use.
The secretariat has put a lot of effort in informing stakeholders on the “Dredging for Sustainable Infrastructure” concept. In fact, all activities were in one way or another linked to this concept. Terra et Aqua, IADC’s Safety Award and the Dredging in Figures publication all contributed to promoting and increasing general awareness of the industry to the outside world.
While the industry has used the CIRIA Cost Standards 2009 for many years, it was found that relevant elements, such as the sustainability factors for the use of LNG and selective catalytic reduction were missing. Various experts from the member companies started working on an update of this important CIRIA document, which will be published mid-2024. This update will reflect the relevance of the energy transition for the sector. For example, many dredging companies make use of biofuels, LNG or SCR-DPF installations. All members are aware of the importance of the transition, however implement the strategy in their own way.
Energy has always been an important driver for the industry and will remain so even after reduction of the oil consumption. Several IADC members play an important role in the construction of offshore wind farms and in this way also contribute to a more sustainable world.
DOWNLOAD
A full description of all IADC’s activities can be found in the 2023 Annual Report.